BUSINESS leaders in Huddersfield have urged the Treasury against cutting vital transport improvement programmes in Yorkshire.

The call from the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce follows a meeting between representatives of the seven Yorkshire and Humber chambers of commerce and Danny Alexander, chief secretary to the Treasury.

They urged the minister to ensure that major transport programmes, including high speed rail, was safeguarded in the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review.

Nick Pontone, director of policy for the Yorkshire chambers, said: “Cutting the deficit is essential to provide the foundation for future economic growth.

“But the spending review must prioritise the genuine investments which will boost private sector growth in Yorkshire and Humber.”

Said Mr Pontone: “The meeting was an opportunity to press the case for investment in the East Coast Main Line and trans-Pennine rail links which will boost our region’s economic competitiveness.”

Steven Leigh, head of policy at the Lockwood-based Mid Yorkshire chamber, said business leaders recognised the need to reduce the deficit, but said: “We will continue to campaign for essential infrastructure projects to be allowed to proceed”.